Just Engaged: Roshal and Zwade

Roshal and Zwade both attended Emory University but never met. Thankfully, a mutual friend knew they'd be perfect together and set them up.

The Lucky Lady: Roshal Leigh Erskine, 29, Attorney

Her Leading Man: Zwade Jabari Marshall, 29, Resident Physician

The Big Day: December 8, 2012

Wedding Location: Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Where and how did you meet your man?In the summer of 2008, Zwade’s friend, Colin (best man), stayed with him for few months while Colin completed his medical rotations in Atlanta. Colin went to college with me but we fell out of touch over the years. We had dinner and he remembers that the more I spoke, the more he thought of Zwade. Colin subsequently brokered an introduction and a fast friendship ensued. It seemed impossible at the time that we had never met. I was attending Emory Law School and he was attending Emory Medical School, yet our paths never crossed. It took a chance meeting with a friend to bring us together.

What was your first impression of him?I liked him immediately. He was easy on the eyes and so funny that I was laughing almost from the start. Our friendship was effortless, and when it became something more, it seemed only natural.

What was his first impression of you?Zwade has always said that he was struck by my smile and hearty laugh. He says that my “sing-song” Jamaican accent is music to his ears.

Weirdest date you’ve ever been on?Right after we started dating, he took me to his mom’s house where there were about 50 people waiting to grill me on every aspect of my life. His mom even asked me my LSAT (Law School Admission Test) score! He owed me big time for that one.

Describe your most romantic date ever?It has to be our trip to The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee in Georgia a few weeks before we got engaged. Apparently, Zwade had planned to propose during our stay but at the last minute was told by his jeweler that the ring wasn’t ready. It was too late for him to cancel the trip since he had already invited me. We had a fabulous time, lounging by the lake, and enjoying the ambiance.

Who said “I love you” first?He did. We were in Jamaica, visiting with my family and he was leaving to go back to Atlanta a few days before me. He boarded the plane and texted it to me. And even though it was probably the least romantic way for someone to tell you, I reacted as if he got down on bended knee and recited poetry. I was smiling from ear-to-ear for quite a while.

How did he pop the question? We arrived at the Botanical Gardens, and he ushered me to a private patio. I saw a butler with champagne, and then two of Zwade's friends playing Bach's "Air on G" on the cello and violin. All of a sudden, friends and family started appearing, and predictably, I started crying. He got down on one knee and said something about love and marriage. I was too busy crying to really make out all the words. But I know I said "Yes," emphatically. I turned around to greet our family and friends and saw my mom, who flew in from Jamaica that day! Needless to say, that sparked a lot more tears. I was so happy; words can hardly express just how much.